Crime Scene Investigator III

Do you want to be a part of the team that makes the City of Palm Beach Gardens the signature place to live, learn, work and play? We provide world class services, parks, community centers, athletic fields, golf, tennis and pickleball, and public safety. This can only happen when the best, brightest, talented, and committed individuals work for our City. We encourage like-minded individuals to apply to join our culture of excellence as part of our team! Come join our family!

Summary

Essential Function Duties and Responsibilities

• Responds as directed to process crime scenes, including after normal working hours and on weekends and holidays
• Performs all areas of crime scene processing
• Identifies, collects and preserves physical evidence in accordance with legal requirements
• Locates and processes latent fingerprints at crime scenes and on collected evidence
• Identifies, collects, preserves, processes and submits DNA and other biological evidence
• Collects physical evidence such as tool marks and tire impressions with molds, casting, etc.
• Performs chemical processing of evidence obtained at scenes or submitted by officers and submits to appropriate lab as needed
• Operates alternate light sources in the processing and/or documentation of crime scenes and evidence
• Takes digital photographs and videos to thoroughly document crime scenes and evidence
• Utilizes advanced technology in crime scene processing, such as laser trajectory tracking
• Diagrams and sketches crime scenes, including with the use of laser mapping equipment
• Processes firearms, bullets, casings, residue, etc. for evidence and entry into appropriate tracking/identification systems
• Processes evidence submitted by road patrol officers for latent prints and other evidence
• Researches, prepares and submits grant requests, particularly as they relate to equipment technology and related areas
• Prepares high quality written reports for all crime scenes and/or evidence processed
• Prepares accurate scale models, diagrams, photos and other graphic aides for investigative and courtroom uses
• Maintains appropriate records for the proper introduction of evidence in court
• Prepares cases for court and testifies in trials and other court proceedings
• Conducts fingerprint analysis/comparison and operates AFIS terminal
• Provides liaison between department and FDLE, FBI and PBSO labs and latent print sections
• Transports evidence to and from crime labs and latent unit as needed
• Ensures that the chain of evidence is maintained and that all the rules of evidence are strictly followed
• Maintains all work areas in a neat, clean and hazard free manner
• Maintains current knowledge of all legal changes that may have an effect on responsibilities of crime scene procedure, evidence handling, and property control
• Processes mail requests relating to crime scene and evidence
• Develops and maintains an inventory of needed crime scene supplies and equipment
• Trains officers and less experienced crime scene investigators in crime scene processing and related areas
• Makes presentations to community groups as assigned
• Performs all other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science or related field or equivalent training and experience, and
• Certification by IAI or equivalent organization preferred, and
• Minimum of three years of related crime scene investigation or forensics experience or equivalent, and
• Experience in all aspects of crime scene investigation, including scene processing and evidence collection, evidence processing, biological evidence processing, and firearms related evidence processing
• Experience with digital photography and video recording of crime scenes and evidence, including the use of alternate light sources, and
• Experience with the classification and comparison of fingerprints, or
• Any related combination of training, education and experience

Special Qualifications/Preferences

• Valid State of Florida Driver's License with a good driving record.

Eligibility: Coverage in the City’s group insurance plans begins the first of the month following thirty (30) days of employment.

Health Insurance: Choice of three (3) plans provided through Florida Blue. Employee contributions are required toward the cost of this insurance on a bi-weekly basis as follows

On-Site Employee Health and Wellness Center: Available for use by employees, spouses and dependents enrolled on the City’s Health Plan. No-copays for doctor’s visits, labs, physicals, or prescription drugs dispensed at the Center

Dental Insurance: PPO plan offered through Humana, provided at no cost

Life Insurance: Two (2) times annual salary up to a maximum of $100,000 provided at no cost

Short Term Disability: Non-probationary employees eligible for 60% of salary up to 26 weeks, provided at no cost.

Long Term Disability: 60% of salary up to $5,000 monthly, provided at no cost

Employee Assistance Program: Six (6) visits per calendar year, per issue, provided at no cost.

Wellness Program: Voluntary wellness initiatives that promote and reward health awareness.

Pension Plan: Provided through the Florida Retirement System (FRS). Choice between the Investment Plan with a one (1) year vesting schedule, and the Pension Plan with an eight (8) year vesting schedule. Mandatory 3% pre-tax contribution.

Holidays: Eleven (11) days per calendar year. One (1) Floating Holiday per calendar year.

Personal Leave: Sixteen (16) hours accrued monthly used for vacation, illness, or personal time away from work. Personal Leave is tiered based on years of service and increases overtime.

Optional Voluntary Benefits: Employee Rental Assistance Program, Vision Care Insurance Plan, Supplemental Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, AFLAC Group Policies, 457 Deferred Comp Plan, Roth IRA, Recreation Program Discounts, Day Care Discounts, Free EV Charging Station, Flexible Schedules, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer under the U.S. Department of Education’s PSLF Program.